Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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2176. To ask the Minister for Health the medical advice for persons who have received a first vaccination dose of a vaccine (details supplied) in the UK and have now returned to live in Ireland, in respect of which vaccine they should have as a second dose and in respect of their record for the digital passport; if a vaccine obtained in the UK will be taken into consideration for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36860/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Digital COVID Certificate Regulation is intended to facilitate people’s fundamental right to move and reside freely and help to support the lifting of restrictions currently in place in a coordinated manner within the EU.

As the Minister for Health, I am supporting the work of my Department in collaborating with relevant Departments under the leadership of the Department of Taoiseach to assist in the on-going implementation of the EU Digital COVID Certificates.

Arrangements for provision of vaccination certificates to persons not vaccinated in Ireland will be considered once the initial roll-out is in place.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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2177. To ask the Minister for Health the protection level against the delta variant provided by a vaccine (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36861/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Covid-19 vaccines can only be approved and used if they comply with all the requirements of quality, safety and efficacy set out in the EU pharmaceutical legislation. Each of the authorised vaccines is indicated for the active immunisation to prevent Covid-19. The vaccine manufacturers are required to ensure that their products remain safe and effective for the authorised indication of prevention of Covid-19.

The European Commission (EC) has granted conditional marketing authorisations (CMA) to four vaccines against COVID-19 on foot of a positive recommendation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Following the recommendation for use of vaccines against COVID-19 by the EMA and authorisation for use by the EC, the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) develops guidance for their use in Ireland which is contained in the Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland. These guidelines are continuously updated and include guidance on all new vaccines as they are approved for use in Ireland.

Currently there are limited information from clinical trials with respect to protection against emerging variants. Emerging variants require continuous monitoring of the vaccines’ performance over time.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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2178. To ask the Minister for Health when those in the 30 to 34 age group can expect to receive their Covid-19 vaccinations. [36862/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is ongoing, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.